The master’s programme Quantum Technologies is designed for students with Bachelor’s degree and acquired fundamental knowledge in the field of Quantum Physics. It aims to prepare highly qualified professionals in the rapidly developing fields of quantum technologies and informatics – quantum computing, quantum simulations, quantum communications, quantum cryptography, quantum metrology and quantum sensors…

Eligibility: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in one of the fields of Physics, Engineering Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering Science or Chemistry. They must have taken courses in quantum mechanics, statistical physics and atomic physics, as well as a basic knowledge of mathematics and computer science. Undergraduates who have not taken or have taken a lesser number of similar courses may also be admitted. They will additionally be required to take elective relevant specialisation courses offered in undergraduate programmes in the Physics Faculty.

The Master’s programme starts in the winter semester (in-state tuition and tuition fee). Admission to in-state tuition is by physics entrance exam. Applicants for fee-paying studies are qualified without examination, according to the average grade in the diploma of higher education (the grade must not be lower than Good/C).

The courses are held by highly qualified lecturers from the Faculty of Physics and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, who have many years of experience in research in quantum informatics and quantum technologies. Upon enrolment, each student will be assigned an academic mentor from among the faculty in the programme.

During the first and second semesters of the Master’s programme, students must take and pass examinations in 5 required courses (including Quantum Control Methods, Introduction to Quantum Technology, Modern Atomic Physics, Quantum Computers and Quantum Algorithms, and Quantum Simulations and Quantum Metrology) and 3 elective courses ( refer to the syllabus contents), from which they must accumulate 30 credits per semester. Students may also choose courses from those offered in the other Master programmes in the Faculty of Physics and the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. The third semester of the program includes 2 elective courses and is devoted to research work under the supervision of a faculty mentor and the preparation of a thesis (30 credits total).

In addition to a general theoretical understanding of quantum technology, students will also be introduced to essential experimental achievements, to which a significant portion of the Modern Atomic Physics and Introduction to Quantum Technology lectures, as well as some of the elective courses, will be devoted. In the Quantum Computers and Quantum Algorithms course, students will also gain practical skills in hands-on sessions writing quantum software for IBM’s online quantum computer.

Graduates of the programme will receive a Master’s degree and will acquire fundamental knowledge in the field of advanced quantum technologies. Graduates of the programme will have the necessary knowledge and skills to start a successful career in this field in Bulgaria or abroad. The knowledge and skills of the graduates of the programme are also practical, which will allow them to pursue a career in emerging companies developing quantum technologies or in the software industry.

Possible career opportunities for graduates: in universities, research institutes and laboratories in the country and abroad, conducting fundamental research in the field of quantum technologies, as well as in the software industry – quantum software development, systems modeling and data analysis.

The Master’s programme is inextricably linked to research work. Students in this Master’s programme are offered to work in teams on research projects led by the programme’s faculty. This allows for a natural progression of graduates to the PhD level of study, which is the most logical next step in the development of graduates of the programme. Insofar as the Master’s programme is fully in line with global trends in this rapidly developing field of science and technology, graduates of the programme will have the opportunity to start a PhD.